A Flood Alert has been issued by the Environment Agency.
Flooding is possible for: Bridport, Chideock, Martinstown, Milborne St. Andrew, Nottington, Piddlehinton, Piddletrenthide, Upwey, Winterborne Abbas, Winterborne Kingston, Winterborne Steepleton, Winterborne Stickland, Winterborne Whitechurch and Winterborne Zelston.
Groundwater levels in West Dorset are set to rise further over the next few days, bringing a risk of flooding to minor roads especially in the North and South Winterbourne valleys. The rate of rise is expected to level off between the 5th and 10th of February as a colder drier spell will bring some relief. A combination of flood water and icy conditions will make roads especially treacherous. Pumping equipment and property level protection measures should be set out where available. Take care that pumping during freezing conditions does not pose a risk to the public. Consider obtaining supplies of rock salt to prevent ice forming around discharge areas.
Warmer, wetter weather is expected to return from the 12th February which will cause groundwater levels to continue their upward trend. Environment Agency staff will continue to monitor the situation and will update this message on Friday the 5th February or sooner if the situation changes.
To check the latest information for your area
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* Visit the GOV.UK website to see the current flood warnings, view river and sea levels or check the 5-day flood risk forecast: https://flood-warning-information.service.gov.uk/target-area/111FAGWDGW
* Or call Floodline on 0345 988 1188 using quickdial code: 210023 .
* Follow @EnvAgency and #floodaware on Twitter.
* Tune into weather, news and travel bulletins on local television and radio.